RIYADH: The Iran-backed Houthi militia fired two ballistic missiles toward the Saudi city of Khamis Mushait on Monday.
The Arab coalition said the missiles were launched from Saada city in northwestern Yemen and landed in two uninhabited areas near the Kingdom’s southern border, Al-Ekhbariya TV reported.
The coalition accused the Houthis of violating international humanitarian law and trying to target civilians.
Later on Monday, the Arab coalition said it had destroyed a fortified cache of ballistic missiles and launchers in Saada, Al-Ekhbariya TV reported.
The coalition said it is taking measures to neutralize sources of threat to protect civilians, adding that their military operations comply with international and humanitarian law.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on the Kingdom.
The coalition said earlier it had intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis toward Khamis Mushait in the early hours of Monday, sparking condemnation from regional and international allies.
The US called on the Houthi militia to stop these targeted attacks, commit to a cease-fire, and come to the negotiating table, saying Washington remains deeply concerned with the frequency of these attacks.
Targeting the Kingdom with ballistic missiles and drones is “unacceptable, dangerous, and put the lives of civilians at risk,” said Jalina Porter, deputy spokeswoman at the US State Department, during a telephonic press briefing.
She urged the Houthis to commit to peace and diplomacy in the region, saying that the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom are “not actions of a group who say they want peace.”
Porter said Washington builds on and strengthens the UN framework through diplomatic engagement to achieve broader regional support, and called on the Houthis to take advantage of this moment.
The UAE said the continuation of these attacks reflected the Houthi’s blatant defiance of the international community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation urged the international community to take “an immediate and decisive stance to stop these repeated actions targeting vital and civilian installations, the Kingdom’s security and stability and global energy supplies.”
Kuwait and Bahrain called on the international community and the UN to condemn Houthi attacks on populated cities in the Kingdom.
Both countries said they stand in full solidarity with Riyadh in all deterrent measures it takes to protect its security.
Jordan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attacks.
Yemen's Houthis launch ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia sparking condemnation
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Yemen's Houthis launch ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia sparking condemnation
- Coalition says destroyed ballistic missiles depot in Saada
- US condemns continuous Houthi attacks targeting civilian areas in the Kingdom
New deal to provide disability support in Yemen
RIYADH: The Children with Disability Association and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen signed a cooperation agreement to support Yemenis with disabilities and improve the skills of workers in the field.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, special adviser to King Salman and chairman of the association, and Mohammed Al-Jaber, the program’s general supervisor, signed the agreement in Riyadh.
Prince Sultan said that the memorandum builds on the association’s efforts to address disability-related challenges.
It aims to provide advisory services for launching medical rehabilitation centers for people with different disabilities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Prince Sultan acknowledged King Salman’s support for the association, which has helped it expand services across the Kingdom.
The agreement also aims to share expertise, promote partnerships and organize activities to improve community integration for children with disabilities, the SPA reported.
The collaboration is part of the program’s broader efforts to support individuals with disabilities and other groups in Yemen.
Hail’s traditional doors and carvings draw crowds to Handicrafts Festival
- The pavilion also features Islamic plaster engravings inspired by the local environment
RIYADH: Visitors from across the region and beyond are being drawn to the wooden doors and gypsum carvings pavilion at the Handicrafts Festival in Hail, all keen to see the craftsmanship behind the traditional works.
Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the festival celebrates the rich heritage of such skills and highlights their cultural and economic significance.
Craftsman Abdullah Al-Khazam explained that creating wooden doors and carvings, including those of old Hail houses made from tamarisk and other woods, demanded exceptional skill and attention to detail.
He highlighted the difference the difference between Najdi doors, made with three beams, and Hail doors, which are crafted with four, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The pavilion also features Islamic plaster engravings inspired by the local environment, a hallmark of Najdi architecture used to adorn buildings, entrances, and majlis, or council rooms.
Replicas of traditional engravings from historical Hail majlis are on display, with many visitors expressing an interest in acquiring the pieces to decorate their own homes.
Also on display are drawings and engravings from ancient clay houses, including Qur’anic verses, sayings, decorative patterns, and depictions of trees and plants.
The festival takes place at Qishlah Palace in Hail until Jan. 9.
Saudi Interior Ministry confirms ban on transferring or publishing security surveillance camera recordings
- Anyone who violates the rule will be punished with a fine of SR20,000 ($5,327), interior ministry says
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry confirmed that the provisions of the “Use of Security Surveillance Cameras” law prohibit the transfer or publication of security surveillance camera recordings.
Security surveillance camera recordings can only be transferred or published with the approval of the ministry or the Presidency of State Security, based on a judicial order, or at the request of an investigating authority.
The ministry explained that anyone who violates this rule will be punished with a fine of SR20,000 ($5,327).
This includes anyone who transfers or publishes recordings in violation of the law or damages or vandalizes security surveillance camera systems or recordings.
Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition
- Dammam collection running until Jan. 10 features sculpture, video and imagery
DHAHRAN: Visitors are immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of art as Hussain Alismail unveils his compelling solo exhibition, “W’ard,” at the SASCA Art Gallery in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Launched on Dec. 30 last year and running until Jan. 10, the exhibition is a captivating journey through the artist’s evolving vision.
In the “W’ard” series, Alismail breaks free from his signature style, which often features bold continuous-line drawings in striking shades of black and red.
Instead, the collection showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Hussain Alismail’s artworks delve into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.
• His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.
Visitors can expect to encounter an array of fascinating works, from collages that fuse imagery, mixed media pieces with texture, three-dimensional sculptures, to dynamic video installations that spark imagination.
At the heart of Alismail’s work lies the symbol of the rose, a timeless emblem of unity that surpasses differences, inviting connection among visitors.
He said: “For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.”
This cultural reference runs throughout the exhibition, highlighting the themes in Alismail’s artwork.
For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.
Hussain Alismail, Saudi artist
Through his collection, Alismail creates an artistic experience that celebrates unity in the diversity of humanity.
“I see my artwork as a reflection of who I am, but once it’s out in the world, it belongs to everyone to interpret and connect with however they choose,” he told Arab News.
Alismail is not only a gifted artist, but also a committed scholar, having recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a master’s degree in design innovation and technology at RMIT.
His time in academia, which he describes as research-focused, has significantly influenced his art. “I’ve found these skills super useful for my art in this exhibition and they’ll definitely play a bigger role in my upcoming projects.”
Alismail holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drawing and painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, as well as a bachelor’s degree in creative arts in visual effects and entertainment design from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.
His academic background enriches his creative practice, fueling his artistic exploration.
Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Alismail delves into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.
His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.
Beyond canvas and paper, Alismail’s artistic skills include photography, videography and digital graphics, allowing him to create stories that invite exploration.
“Medium serves as a platform for discovery. I constantly challenge myself to go deeper into techniques and artistic presentations,” he said.
For the exhibition, Alismail embraced a variety of innovative mediums. “I played around with 3D design, 3D printing, AI generative imagery and various other hands-on mediums,” he said.
Additionally, he aims to create a vibrant experience, expressing his desire that viewers feel “joyful and leave with a smile on their face.”
Inspired by cultural stories around him, Alismail combines personal and community tales in his art, enhancing the diverse narratives he shares.
With an eye toward revitalizing cultural connections, his work fosters an enriched understanding of our shared human experiences.
“What my audience has seen from me before is different from what I’m creating now, and I know it’ll have even more depth down the line.”
